Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
‘Fight Like a Girl’ depicts the transformative power of sports in the lives of women
The film is inspired by a boxing club for women in Congo: Director Matthew Leutwyler
Posted On:
24 NOV 2023 7:17PM by PIB Mumbai
Goa, 24 November 2023
Fight Like a Girl, Directed by Matthew Leutwyler tells a tale of young Congolese woman, who finds new life in a boxing ring after escaping from an illegal mineral mine. The film is being featured under ‘Cinema of the World’ category at the 54th International Film Festival of India, Goa.
While interacting with media and delegates at the Press Conference organised by PIB, Matthew Leutwyler said that the film is inspired by true events. “It is based on the story of a female boxing club in East Congo, started by a soldier. He was approached by young women who were victims of sexual violence and betrayal. He was trying to help them win back their confidence through boxing. One day a young woman came to the boxing club with an intent to track down the person who killed her father. But later her vengeance gets transformed and she embraces boxing as a sport. It is the life of this woman that inspired me to make a film out of it”, he added.
“A unique aspect of this film is that 80 % of the cast are not actors”, said Matthew Leutwyler, while recalling the production process of the film. “Most of the boxers of the club shown are real boxers from interior parts of Congo”, he added.
Detailing on the preparations she made for the protagonist’s role, Ama Qamata, the lead actress said that being someone who has never been into a real life fight, it was a big challenge to step into the role of a boxer. “As a part of the preparations, I used to take training for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, six days a week”, she said. She added “My character in the movie is not just a boxer. It is to fight against abuse, fight against the system, and to fight for life”.
Synopsis:
A young Congolese woman, forced to work in an illegal mineral mine, escapes her captors. She finds a new life for herself after joining a renowned all-women boxing club in the border city of Goma. The film is based on true events.
Watch the interaction here:
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(Release ID: 1979571)
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